44.2.9 Network Identity and Timezone (NITZ)

3GPP51.010-1Mobile Station (MS) conformance specificationPart 1: Conformance specificationTS

44.2.9.1 NITZ and GPRS procedures

44.2.9.1.1 NITZ / GPRS / Timezone, Time and DST Handling

44.2.9.1.1.1 Conformance requirement

The feature Network Identities and Timezone shall make it possible for a serving PLMN to transfer its current identity, universal time, DST and LTZ to MSs, and for the MS to store and use this information. Each one of these elements is optional. The feature significantly enhances roaming as it enables the accurate indication of network identities that are either newer than the ME or have changed their name since the ME was manufactured or sold. Additionally time and timezone information can be utilised by MEs as desired.

The serving PLMN shall make Local Time Zone (LTZ) available to the MS as an offset from Universal Time in units of 15 minutes.

When the LTZ is compensated for DST (summertime), the serving PLMN shall provide a DST parameter to indicate this. The adjustment for DST can be +1h or +2h.

The Time Zone code enables the receiver to calculate the equivalent time in GMT from the other semi‑octets in the Service‑Centre‑Time‑Stamp, or indicate the time zone (GMT, GMT+1H etc.), or perform other similar calculations as required by the implementation. The value contained in the Time Zone field must take into account daylight saving time, such that when the sending entity changes from regular (winter) time to daylight saving (summer) time, there is a change to the value in the Time Zone field.

The mobile station should assume that this time zone applies to the routing area the MS is currently in. The mobile station shall not assume that the time information is accurate.

If the local time zone has been adjusted for Daylight Saving Time, the network shall indicate this by including the IE Network Daylight Saving Time.

Reference(s):

3GPP TS 02.42 / 3GPP TS 22.042 subclause 4

3GPP TS 03.40 / 3GPP TS 23.040 subclause 9.2.3.11

3GPP TS 04.08 / 3GPP TS 24.008 subclause 9.4.19.4

44.2.9.1.1.2 Test purpose

To verify that a MS supporting any of the NITZ Time related feature (Local Time Zone, Universal Time and DST IE (and thus GMM Information) is able to handle them properly.

44.2.9.1.1.3 Method of test

Initial conditions

System Simulator:

Two cells operating in network operation mode I, cell A in MCC1/MNC1/LAC1/RAC1 (RAI-1), cell B in MCC1/MNC1/LAC1/RAC2 (RAI-4).

Mobile Station:

The MS has a valid IMSI. MS is Idle Updated.

Specific PICS statements:

– Switch off on button (TSPC_Feat_OnOff).

– Automatic GPRS attach procedure at switch on or power on (TSPC_AddInfo_on_auto_GPRS_AP).

– Use of NITZ DST (TSPC_NITZ_DST)

– Use of NITZ Universal Time for PLMN (TSPC_NITZ_Universal_Time)

– Use of NITZ Local Time Zone for PLMN (TSPC_NITZ_Time_Zone)

PIXIT statements:

Test procedure

Following the GPRS attachment on Cell A, SS sends its local time and date (on GMT+1, Winter Time) using the GMM INFORMATION Message to the MS. The operator verifies then the parameters and/or the time and date stored in the MS.

The MS is then moved to a second cell (Cell B), and after a ROUTING AREA UPDATE procedure, the time is changed to “Summer Time” with the DST IE using a GMM INFORMATION Message. The operator verifies then the parameters and/or the time and date stored in the MS and switches Off the MS

The MS is re-attached on Cell A, the Time Zone is then changed, no DST present (GMT+2, Winter Time), using GMM INFORMATION message. The operator verifies then the parameters and/or the time stored on the MS

Maximum duration of test

Expected sequence

Step

Direction

Message

Comments

1

MS

The MS is powered up or switched on and initiates an attach (see PICS).

2

MS -> SS

ATTACH REQUEST

Attach type = ‘Combined GPRS / IMSI attach’ or ‘GPRS attach while IMSI attached’

Mobile identity = IMSI

3

SS -> MS

ATTACH ACCEPT

Attach result = ‘Combined GPRS / IMSI attached’

Mobile identity = P-TMSI-2

P-TMSI-2 signature

Routing area identity = RAI-1

4

MS -> SS

ATTACH COMPLETE

5

SS ->MS

GMM INFORMATION

Universal Time IE is included:

“< Current Year >/12/31 05:15:00” for Local Time

“+ 1 hour” for Timezone

No DST or Local Time Zone IE included

See specific message content

6

MS

Operator Action:

The use of the supported Fields is checked:
Universal Time:

Year: < Current Year >
Month: December
Day: 31st
Hour: 5 Hours
Minute: 15 Minutes
Timezone: GMT+1
Local Time Zone:

Not sent

DST:

Daylight Saving Time not in use (i.e. winter time)
cf note

7

SS

Activate cell B with a lower signal strength than cell A. The RF level of cell A is lowered until cell B is preferred by the MS.

8

MS -> SS

ROUTING AREA UPDATING REQUEST

Update type = ‘Combined RA/LA updating’

P-TMSI-2 signature

Routing area identity = RAI-1

9

SS -> MS

ROUTING AREA UPDATING ACCEPT

Update result = ‘Combined RA/LA updated’

Mobile identity = P-TMSI-1

P-TMSI-1 signature

Routing area identity = RAI-4

10

MS -> SS

ROUTING AREA UPDATING COMPLETE

11

SS ->MS

GMM INFORMATION

Local Time Zone IE and DST IE are included:

“+ 2 hours” for Timezone (including DST)

“+ 1 hour” for DST

See specific message content

12

MS

Operator Action:

The use of the supported Fields is checked:
Universal Time

Year: < Current Year >
Month: December
Day: 31st
Hour: 6 Hours
Minutes: 15 Minutes
Timezone: GMT+1
Local Time Zone

Timezone: GMT+1 (DST included)

DST:

Daylight Saving Time in use (i.e. “summer time”)
cf note

13

SS

The RF level of cell B is lowered and the RF level of cell A is increased until cell A is preferred by the MS.

14

MS -> SS

ROUTING AREA UPDATING REQUEST

Update type = ‘Combined RA/LA updating’

P-TMSI-1 signature

Routing area identity = RAI-4

15

SS -> MS

ROUTING AREA UPDATING ACCEPT

Update result = ‘Combined RA/LA updated’

Mobile identity = P-TMSI-2

P-TMSI-2 signature

Routing area identity = RAI-1

16

MS -> SS

ROUTING AREA UPDATING COMPLETE

17

SS ->MS

GMM INFORMATION

Only Local Time Zone IE is included:

“+ 2 hours” for Timezone

No DST IE included

See specific message content

18

MS

Operator Action:

The use of the supported Fields is checked:
Universal Time:

Year: < Current Year >
Month: December

Day: 31st
Hour: 6 Hours
Minutes: 15 Minutes
Timezone: GMT+2
Local Time Zone:

Timezone: GMT+2

DST:

Daylight Saving Time not in use (i.e. winter time)
cf note

Note: In step 6, 12 and 18 the “minute” is not so relevant and can be higher than “15” depending on operator’s action time.

The check of Timezone and DST is done implicitly by checking the time only in case MS does not support the display of these two fields.

Current Year is derived by the SS.

Specific message contents

GMM Information on step 5:

Information element

Value/remark

Universal Time IE

47

Year

< Current Year >

Month

21 – December

Day

13 – 31st

Hour

40 – 4 hours

Minute

51 – 15 Minutes

Second

00 – 0 second

Time Zone

40 – GMT+1 (4*15 minutes+ 0*15 minutes DST)

GMM Information on step 11:

Information element

Value/remark

Local Time Zone IE

46

Time Zone

80 – GMT+1+1(4*15 minutes+ 4*15 minutes DST)

Daylight Saving Time IE

49

Length of DST Content

1

Value

1 – + 1 hour (summer time)

GMM Information on step 17:

Information element

Value/remark

Local Time Zone IE

46

Time Zone

80 – GMT+2 (8*15 minutes+ 0*15 minutes DST)

44.2.9.1.2 NITZ / GPRS / NITZ Parameters / Storage / Deletion

44.2.9.1.2.1 Conformance requirement

The feature Network Identities and Timezone shall make it possible for a serving PLMN to transfer its current identity, universal time, DST and LTZ to MSs, and for the MS to store and use this information. Each one of these elements is optional. The feature significantly enhances roaming as it enables the accurate indication of network identities that are either newer than the ME or have changed their name since the ME was manufactured or sold. Additionally time and timezone information can be utilised by MEs as desired.

When using the default character set (see TS 23.038 [4]), the serving PLMN shall make both a "short" and a "long" name available to the MS. As an alternative or, in addition, to the default character set, the serving PLMN can make a name available in UCS2. The MS shall be free to choose one of these names depending upon its own characteristics and/or limitations, such as those of its display.

Switching off the MS should not cause the updated name of the network(s) to be deleted.

Reference(s):

3GPP TS 02.42 / 3GPP TS 22.042 subclause 4 and 6.2

44.2.9.1.2.2 Test purpose

To verify that a MS supporting any of the NITZ Name related feature (Short or Full PLMN name and thus GMM Information) is able to handle the names properly and does not erase the PLMN name sent using NITZ procedure at switch off.

44.2.9.1.2.3 Method of test

Initial conditions

System Simulator:

One cell operating in network operation mode I.

Mobile Station:

The MS has a valid IMSI. MS is Idle Updated.

Specific PICS statements:

– Switch off on button (TSPC_Feat_OnOff).

– Automatic GPRS attach procedure at switch on or power on (TSPC_AddInfo_on_auto_GPRS_AP).

– Use of NITZ Full name for PLMN (TSPC_NITZ_Full_Name)

– Use of NITZ Short name for PLMN (TSPC_NITZ_Short_Name)PIXIT statements:

Test procedure

Following the GPRS attachment, SS sends a Short and a Full Name for the PLMN using the GMM INFORMATION Message to the MS. The operator verifies then the parameters stored in the MS.

The MS is then switched Off. The MS is re-attached after switching on, and the operator verifies then that the names are still stored/used in the MS.

Maximum duration of test

5 minutes

Expected sequence

Step

Direction

Message

Comments

1

MS

The MS is powered up or switched on and initiates an attach (see PICS).

2

MS -> SS

ATTACH REQUEST

Attach type = ‘Combined GPRS / IMSI attach’ or ‘GPRS attach while IMSI attached’

3

SS -> MS

ATTACH ACCEPT

Attach result = ‘Combined GPRS / IMSI attached’

Mobile identity = P-TMSI-2

P-TMSI-2 signature

4

MS -> SS

ATTACH COMPLETE

5

SS ->MS

GMM INFORMATION

Full Name for Network and Short Name for Network IE are included:

“NITZDeletionPLMN” for Full Name

“NITZPLMN” for Short Name

See specific message content

6

MS

Operator Action:

Verify that the names are stored and handled correctly according to Specific PICS Statements:

“NITZDeletionPLMN” for Full name,

“NITZPLMN” for Short name

7

MS

The MS is switched off or power is removed (see PICS).

8

MS -> SS

DETACH REQUEST

Message not sent if power is removed.

Detach type = ‘power switched off, combined GPRS / IMSI detach’

9

MS

The MS is powered up or switched on and initiates an attach (see PICS).

10

MS -> SS

ATTACH REQUEST

Attach type = ‘Combined GPRS / IMSI attach’ or ‘GPRS attach while IMSI attached’

11

SS -> MS

ATTACH ACCEPT

No new mobile identity assigned.

P-TMSI and P-TMSI signature not included.

Attach result = ‘Combined GPRS / IMSI attached’

12

MS

Operator Action:

Verify that the same names are still stored and handled correctly according to Specific PICS Statements:

“NITZDeletionPLMN” for Full name,

“NITZPLMN” for Short name

Specific message contents

GMM Information on step 5:

Information element

Value/remark

Full Name IE

43

Length

0F (15 octets)

Ext

1 – – – – – – – (Spare Bit)

Coding scheme

– 0 0 0 – – – – (Cell Broadcast data coding scheme, GSM

default alphabet, language unspecified)

Add CI

– – – – 0 – – – (Initials Country not included)

Spare Bit in final Octet

– – – – – 0 0 0 ( No info about number of spare bits)

Text String

CE 24 55 4B 2 C B3 CB F4 F4 DB 0D 65 36 9 D

(“NITZDeletionPLMN“)

Short Name IE

45

Length

08 (8 octets)

Ext

1 x x x x x x x (Spare Bit)

Coding scheme

x 0 0 0 x x x x (Cell Broadcast data coding scheme, GSM

default alphabet, language unspecified)

Add CI

x x x x 0 x x x (Initials Country not included)

Spare Bit in final Octet

x x x x x 0 0 0 (No info about number of spare bits )

Text String

CE 24 55 0B 65 36 9D

(“NITZPLMN”)

44.2.9.1.3 NITZ / GPRS / MM and GMM Signalling

44.2.9.1.3.1 Conformance requirement

The feature Network Identities and Timezone shall make it possible for a serving PLMN to transfer its current identity, universal time, DST and LTZ to MSs, and for the MS to store and use this information. Each one of these elements is optional. The feature significantly enhances roaming as it enables the accurate indication of network identities that are either newer than the ME or have changed their name since the ME was manufactured or sold. Additionally time and timezone information can be utilised by MEs as desired.

When using the default character set (see TS 23.038 [4]), the serving PLMN shall make both a "short" and a "long" name available to the MS. As an alternative or, in addition, to the default character set, the serving PLMN can make a name available in UCS2. The MS shall be free to choose one of these names depending upon its own characteristics and/or limitations, such as those of its display.

It is expected that the MS will display the most up to date information transferred to it.

Reference(s):

3GPP TS 02.42 / 3GPP TS 22.042 subclause 4 and 6.2

44.2.9.1.3.2 Test purpose

To verify that a MS supporting NITZ (any of the Fields) is able to handle both MM INFORMATION and GMM INFORMATION messages and that parameters set in the latest message override the previous ones.

44.2.9.1.3.3 Method of test

Initial conditions

System Simulator:

Two cells operating in network operation mode I (not simultaneously activated), cell A in MCC1/MNC1/LAC1/RAC1 (RAI-1), cell B in MCC1/MNC1/LAC1/RAC2 (RAI-4).

Mobile Station:

The MS has a valid IMSI. MS is Idle Updated.

Specific PICS statements:

– Switch off on button (TSPC_Feat_OnOff).

– Automatic GPRS attach procedure at switch on or power on (TSPC_AddInfo_on_auto_GPRS_AP).

– Use of NITZ DST (TSPC_NITZ_DST)

– Use of NITZ Full name for PLMN (TSPC_NITZ_Full_Name)

– Use of NITZ Short name for PLMN (TSPC_NITZ_Short_Name)

– Use of NITZ Universal Time for PLMN (TSPC_NITZ_Universal_Time)

– Use of NITZ Local Time Zone for PLMN (TSPC_NITZ_Time_Zone)

PIXIT statements:

Test procedure

Following its GPRS Attachment procedure, the MS receives from SS, through the GMM INFORMATION a complete set of NITZ parameters (PLMN long name, short name, and Universal time with local time adjustment). The operator verifies then the names used and the time and date stored in the MS (according to specific PICS Statements).

The MS is then paged on its paging group with its IMSI. SS verifies that the MS sends a PAGING RESPONSE. SS sends back a MM INFORMATION message changing the NITZ PLMN names (short and full names) and the local time information.

The operator verifies then that the new NITZ names are used and the time information changed (if supported).

The serving cell is then lowered and the MS triggers a ROUTING AREA UPDATE procedure on the second cell. Following this procedure, SS sends some new NITZ PLMN names (full and short) using the GMM INFORMATION message.

The operator verifies then that the new NITZ names are used, if supported, and, if possible, that the time information is not changed.

Maximum duration of test

5 minutes

Expected sequence:

Step

Direction

Message

Comments

1

MS

The MS is powered up or switched on and initiates an attach (see PICS).

2

MS -> SS

ATTACH REQUEST

Attach type = ‘Combined GPRS / IMSI attach’ or ‘GPRS attach while IMSI attached’

Mobile identity = IMSI

3

SS -> MS

ATTACH ACCEPT

Attach result = ‘Combined GPRS / IMSI attached’

Routing area identity = RAI-1

Mobile identity = P-TMSI-2

P-TMSI-2 signature

4

MS -> SS

ATTACH COMPLETE

5

SS ->MS

GMM INFORMATION

Full Name for Network, Short Name for Network and Universal Time IE are included:

“NITZ GMM PLMN” for Full Name

“GMM PLMN” for Short Name

“< Current Year >/12/31 05:15:00” for Local Time

“+ 1 hour” for Timezone

No DST or Local Time Zone IE included

See specific message content

6

MS

Operator Action:

Verify that the names and time are stored and handled correctly according to specific PICS Statements:

“NITZ GMM PLMN” for Full name,

“GMM PLMN” for Short name

The use of the supported Fields is checked:

Universal Time:

Year: < Current Year >

Month: December

Day: 31st

Hour: 5 Hours

Minute: 15 Minutes

Timezone: GMT+1

Local Time Zone:

Not Sent

DST:

Daylight Saving Time not in use (i.e. “winter time”

cf note

7

SS -> MS

SS pages the MS with mobile identity IMSI and paging order for RR connection according to the channel combination of the cell.

8

MS

Verify that the MS initiates a RR connection and sends a PAGING RESPONSE with mobile identity IMSI.

9

SS -> MS

MM INFORMATION

Full Name for Network, Short Name for Network, Local Time Zone and DST IE are included:

“NITZ MM PLMN” for Full Name

“MM PLMN” for Short Name

“+ 2 hours” for Timezone (including DST)

“+ 1 hour” for DST

See specific message content

10

SS

SS releases the RR connection and indicates the successfully resumption of GPRS services.

11

Operator Action:

Verify that the names and time are stored and handled correctly according to specific PICS Statements:

“NITZ MM PLMN” for Full name,

“MM PLMN” for Short name

The use of the supported Fields is checked:

Universal Time:

Year: < Current Year >

Month: December

Day: 31st

Hour: 6 Hours

Minute: 15 Minutes

Timezone: GMT+1

Local Time Zone:

Timezone: GMT+1 (including DST)

DST:

Daylight Saving Time in use (i.e. “summer time”)

cf note

12

SS

The SS deactivates cell A and activates cell B.

13

MS -> SS

ROUTING AREA UPDATING REQUEST

Update type = ‘Combined RA/LA updating’

P-TMSI-2 signature

Routing area identity = RAI-1

14

SS -> MS

ROUTING AREA UPDATING ACCEPT

Update result = ‘Combined RA/LA updated’

Mobile identity = P-TMSI-1

P-TMSI-1 signature

Routing area identity = RAI-4

15

MS -> SS

ROUTING AREA UPDATING COMPLETE

16

SS ->MS

GMM INFORMATION

Full Name for Network and Short Name for Network IE are included:

“NITZ GMM PLMN” for Full Name

“GMM PLMN” for Short Name

See specific message content

17

MS

Operator Action:

Verify that the names and time are stored and handled correctly according to specific PICS Statements:

“NITZ GMM PLMN” for Full name,

“GMM PLMN” for Short name

if possible, verify that no change is done on the time information

Note: In step 6, 11 and 17 the “minute” is not so relevant and can be higher than “15” depending on operator’s action time.

The check of Timezone and DST is done implicitly by checking the time only in case MS does not support the display of these two fields.

Current Year is derived by the SS.

Specific message contents

GMM Information on step 5:

Information element

Value/remark

Full Name IE

43

Length

0D (13 octets)

Ext

1 x x x x x x x (Spare Bit)

Coding scheme

x 0 0 0 x x x x (Cell Broadcast data coding scheme, GSM

default alphabet, language unspecified)

Add CI

x x x x 0 x x x (Initials Country not included)

Spare Bit in final Octet

x x x x x 1 0 1 (Bit 4 to 8 of last Octet are set to ‘0’)

Text String

CE 24 55 0B 3A 36 9B 20 28 B3 E9 04

(“NITZ GMM PLMN“)

Short Name IE

45

Length

08 (8 octets)

Ext

1 x x x x x x x (Spare Bit)

Coding scheme

x 0 0 0 x x x x (Cell Broadcast data coding scheme, GSM

default alphabet, language unspecified)

Add CI

x x x x 0 x x x (Initials Country not included)

Spare Bit in final Octet

x x x x x 0 0 0 (“no information about the number of spare bits in last octet”)

Text String

C7 66 13 04 65 36 9D (“GMM PLMN“)

Universal Time IE

47

Year

< Current Year >

Month

21 – December

Day

13 – 31st

Hour

40 – 4 hours

Minute

51 – 15 Minutes

Second

00 – 0 second

Time Zone

40 – GMT+1 (4*15 minutes+ 0*15 minutes DST)

MM Information on step 9:

Information element

Value/remark

Full Name IE

43

Length

0C (12 octets)

Ext

1 x x x x x x x (Spare Bit)

Coding scheme

x 0 0 0 x x x x (Cell Broadcast data coding scheme, GSM

default alphabet, language unspecified)

Add CI

x x x x 0 x x x (Initials Country not included)

Spare Bit in final Octet

x x x x x 1 0 0 (Bit 5 to 8 of last Octet are set to ‘0’)

Text String

CE 24 55 0B 6A 36 41 50 66 D3 09

(“NITZ MM PLMN“)

Short Name IE

45

Length

08 (8 octets)

Ext

1 x x x x x x x (Spare Bit)

Coding scheme

x 0 0 0 x x x x (Cell Broadcast data coding scheme, GSM

default alphabet, language unspecified)

Add CI

x x x x 0 x x x (Initials Country not included)

Spare Bit in final Octet

x x x x x 1 1 1 (Bit 2 to 8 of last Octet are set to ‘0’)

Text String

CD 26 08 CA 6C 3A 01 (“MM PLMN“)

Local Time Zone IE

46

Time Zone

80 – GMT+1+1(4*15 minutes+ 4*15 minutes DST)

Daylight Saving Time IE

49

Length of DST Content

1

Value

1 – + 1 hour (summer time)

GMM Information on step 16:

Information element

Value/remark

Full Name IE

43

Length

0D (13 octets)

Ext

1 x x x x x x x (Spare Bit)

Coding scheme

x 0 0 0 x x x x (Cell Broadcast data coding scheme, GSM

default alphabet, language unspecified)

Add CI

x x x x 0 x x x (Initials Country not included)

Spare Bit in final Octet

x x x x x 1 0 1 (Bit 4 to 8 of last Octet are set to ‘0’)

Text String

CE 24 55 0B 3A 36 9B 20 28 B3 E9 04

(“NITZ GMM PLMN“)

Short Name IE

45

Length

08 (8 octets)

Ext

1 x x x x x x x (Spare Bit)

Coding scheme

x 0 0 0 x x x x (Cell Broadcast data coding scheme, GSM

default alphabet, language unspecified)

Add CI

x x x x 0 x x x (Initials Country not included)

Spare Bit in final Octet

x x x x x 0 0 0 (“no information about the number of spare bits in last octet”)

Text String

C7 66 13 04 65 36 9D (“GMM PLMN“)